subject: How To Begin Your Recovery From Alcoholism [print this page] Alcoholism is an ever-growing problem in our country that wreaks havoc on families, professional endeavors, and communities where violence and vehicular accidents occur under the influence of alcohol.
While I was in high school, two popular boys--twin brothers--were struck head-on by a drunk driver that ran a red light. One of them died and the other was left in a coma for several months. Yet, even afterward, several underage friends of theirs were charged with drunk driving.
Our culture has made it perfectly acceptable to not only drink, but to become full-on intoxicated, on a regular basis. But this is what sets individuals on the road to alcoholism.
So, first, you need to take a hard, honest look at your life and recognize how alcohol is affecting your life--both inwardly and outwardly. Do you become deceptive or feel ashamed when you start drinking? This is just one of many questions you need to ask yourself.
Once you have recognized and admitted that you have a problem (the first of the famous Twelve Step Program), you need to do something about it TODAY. Some individuals feel so much shame and confusion as to how they got this point that they keep waiting to enact a solution.
But if you refrain from taking action, things will only get worse. Many people try to drown these feelings, which instead intensifies all of them and does more damage. That is why you need to stop now.
If you find yourself in a situation where alcohol will be present, then you should politely refuse without going into details until you are comfortable to divulge that you are a recovering alcoholic.
This can be extremely difficult, so you should be prepared to make an early exit. You may want to get a relative or trusted friend to accompany you to "monitor," you and help you make your getaway if it becomes necessary.
Start finding alternative ways to blow off steam so you do not have such a strong urge to turn to alcohol to feel better. For example, you could get involved in sports, go running, biking, hiking, or work out at your local gym. This will increase your overall health and well-being and allow you to release stress and tension.
Be sure to join a support group and find a personal mentor to help you along. But if you find yourself losing control, you may want to entirely remove yourself from your daily life. Finding a sober living environment can be tremendously beneficial to get you in the right frame of mind and surround yourself with supporters.
Alcoholism is a serious disease, and it is not easy to conquer. But if ever you backslide, you need to just get back on the path and keep going. Don't let yourself get discouraged--you can have the life you want.
